Messianic Home School Association Organizational Standards

All leaders and members of the MHSA agree to adhere to a code of organizational and behavioral standards

I. Organizational Standards

A.      MHSA leaders, {leaders of activities and  internet forums} are chosen and continue to hold their positions based on biblical standards

Exodus 18:21-23 CJB  But you should choose from among all the people competent men who are God-fearing, honest and incorruptible to be their leaders, in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.  (22)  Normally, they will settle the people's disputes. They should bring you the difficult cases; but ordinary matters they should decide themselves. In this way, they will make it easier for you and share the load with you.  (23)  If you do this — and God is directing you to do it — you will be able to endure; and all these people too will arrive at their destination peacefully."

Deuteronomy 1:15-17 CJB  (15)  So I took the heads of your tribes, men wise and knowledgeable, and made them heads over you - leaders in charge of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens, and officers, tribe by tribe. 

1.       Current leaders are actively home schooling at least one child

2.       Have  3 years experience home schooling

3.       Currently attending a messianic congregation

4.       All MHSA leaders know and adhere to Scriptural standards of conduct in all areas of life –both personal and public.  MHSA standards promote Torah as a WAY of life rather than a set of merely religious “beliefs” without observable  evidence of those beliefs

1 Timothy 3:1-7 CJB Here is a statement you can trust: anyone aspiring to be a congregation leader is seeking worthwhile work.  (2)  A congregation leader must be above reproach, he must be faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, orderly, hospitable and able to teach.  (3)  He must not drink excessively or get into fights; rather, he must be kind and gentle. He must not be a lover of money.  (4)  He must manage his own household well, having children who obey him with all proper respect;  (5)  for if a man can't manage his own household, how will he be able to care for God's Messianic Community?  (6)  He must not be a new believer, because he might become puffed up with pride and thus fall under the same judgment as did the Adversary.  (7)  Furthermore, he must be well regarded by outsiders, so that he won't fall into disgrace and into the Adversary's trap.

Romans 2:13  For it is not merely the hearers of Torah whom God considers righteous; rather, it is the doers of what Torah says who will be made righteous in God's sight.

A.      Accountability- All MHSA leaders are accountable to YHVH directly. Therefore, each leader is responsible to personally study the Scriptures so that each will have full knowledge of what is expected in word and deed. The leaders will need to work together as a team in order to accomplish all that YHVH is asking of this group. Therefore, the leaders will need to communicate and encourage each other on a regular basis. When the leaders work together – ECHAD- in unity with YHVH and with each other -then the plans of YHVH -  for the MHSA -  will thrive and bear fruit in its due season

1.       Leaders will meet monthly and they must also be willing to meet “as needed” to address unexpected issues as the organization matures, grows and develops. Attendance at these meetings is an expectation

Proverbs 15:22 CJB  Without deliberation, plans go wrong; but with many advisers, they succeed.

2.       Leaders are held to high standards without compromise in order to prevent unintentional “loosening of the reigns”  -the reigns that direct the entire organization

James 3:1-5  Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, since you know that we will be judged more severely.  (2)  For we all stumble in many ways; if someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who can bridle his whole body.  (3)  If we put a bit into a horse's mouth to make it obey us, we control its whole body as well.  (4)  And think of a ship — although it is huge and is driven by strong winds, yet the pilot can steer it wherever he wants with just a small rudder.  (5)  So too the tongue is a tiny part of the body, yet it boasts great things. See how a little fire sets a whole forest ablaze!

3.       Any reports or accusations regarding any leader of the MHSA will be strictly handled according to BIBLICAL procedures to ensure the integrity of the leader and of the organization. SCRIPTURAL procedures are the ONLY way to guarantee and protect the dignity, rights, and honor of all the leaders and all the members of the MHSA

a.       The demands of leaders are clearly higher than other members-according to Scripture

 Luke 12:48  however, the one who did what deserves a beating, but didn't know, will receive few lashes. From him who has been given much, much will be demanded — from someone to whom people entrust much, they ask still more.

b.      All people learn by “trial and error”. According to Scripture, we learn - grow stronger and wiser -  each time we clearly see “cause and effect” in action. Therefore, the members as well as the leaders of the MHSA understand the need to firmly and quickly address any actions that fall outside of YHVH’s teachings, laws and statutes. By accepting the consequences, we each learn and grow –this makes the entire organization stronger against the constant attacks of the adversary. Within a Biblically strong group, the “accuser” has no position and no power.

Leviticus 5:17  "If someone sins by doing something against any of the mitzvot of Adonai concerning things which should not be done, he is guilty, even if he is unaware of it; and he bears the consequences of his wrongdoing.

Luke 12:47-48  Now the servant who knew what his master wanted but didn't prepare or act according to his will, will be whipped with many lashes;  (48)  however, the one who did what deserves a beating, but didn't know, will receive few lashes.

Romans 2:11-13  For God does not show favoritism.  (12)  All who have sinned outside the framework of Torah will die outside the framework of Torah; and all who have sinned within the framework of Torah will be judged by Torah.  (13)  For it is not merely the hearers of Torah whom God considers righteous; rather, it is the doers of what Torah says who will be made righteous in God's sight.

B.      Conflict Resolution

1.       MHSA encourages Biblical procedures for all conflict resolutions. These standards apply whether the conflict is member-to-member or member-to-leader  or even leader-to-leader

a.       MHSA members and leaders believe that quick resolution to matters of conflict maintain the strength and the integrity of the individuals as well as the organization

Mat 5:22  But I tell you that anyone who nurses anger against his brother will be subject to judgment; that whoever calls his brother, 'You good-for-nothing!' will be brought before the Sanhedrin; that whoever says, 'Fool!' incurs the penalty of burning in the fire of Gei-Hinnom!

b.      MHSA members and leaders believe that the Word provides the only perfect Way to resolve issues that naturally occur between people on this fallen earth. According to the Scriptures, it is necessary and effective to try to resolve conflicts or offenses PRIVATELY to avoid damage to the community and to avoid unnecessary embarrassment.

Matthew 18:15  "Moreover, if your brother commits a sin against you, go and show him his fault — but privately, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. 

c.       MHSA leaders and members agree with the prescribed procedure contained in Matthew chapter 18. If the private conversation does not resolve the issue, the person bringing the complaint is encouraged to bring one or two witnesses into the next attempt at resolution. The other people may be fellow members or another leader – provided these people have valid experience or information related to the issue.

Matthew 18:16 If he doesn't listen, take one or two others with you so that every accusation can be supported by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 

d.      If the matter cannot be resolved at this stage, the MHSA encourages that the issue be brought formally before the leaders. Matthew 18:17    If he refuses to hear them, tell the congregation

Exodus 18:21-23 CJB  But you should choose from among all the people competent men who are God-fearing, honest and incorruptible to be their leaders, in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.  (22)  Normally, they will settle the people's disputes.

1)      The leaders are sternly advised to take this procedure with the utmost seriousness; as their responsibility before YHVH is great.

Deuteronomy 1:16-17 CJB    (16)  At that time I commissioned your judges, 'Hear the cases that arise between your brothers; and judge fairly between a man and his brother, and the foreigner who is with him.  (17)  You are not to show favoritism when judging, but give equal attention to the small and to the great. No matter how a person presents himself, don't be afraid of him; because the decision is God's. '

2)      The decision of these leaders must be respected by all included members. The decision of the leaders may range from counseling, penalties {such as loss of position or title}, to expulsion from the group {depending upon the nature of the offense or issue}.

Matthew 18:17  If he refuses to hear them, tell the congregation; and if he refuses to listen even to the congregation, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax-collector.

C.      Adding/Deleting Services and Activities

1.       All activities must glorify Yeshua and His Word

2.       All activities must contain specifically stated educational goals

a.       MHSA acknowledges the importance of fellowship. Fellowship is encouraged within the context of congregational life. Therefore fellowship for even the youngest members of the community can be satisfied through congregational gatherings: Shabbat, community outreach activities, youth groups, VBS, etc.

b.      MHSA may occasionally sponsor activities that are “fun”. Some MHSA sponsored activities may include Biblically significant social skills and communication goals that may ultimately lead to friendships and even enhance fellowship; however, the goals will always be educational.

II.                  Membership standards:  those considering MHSA membership must agree to adhere to the following standards and obligations

A.      Agrees ,via signature, to MHSA Statement of Faith

B.      Currently home schools at least one child

C.      Actively observes and supports Torah observant life

1.       Believes Torah is a WAY of LIFE rather than a list of negative commands.

Deuteronomy 32:46-47  he said to them, "Take to heart all the words of my testimony against you today, so that you can use them in charging your children to be careful to obey all the words of this Torah.  (47)  For this is not a trivial matter for you; on the contrary, it is your life! Through it you will live long in the land you are crossing the Yarden to possess."

Matthew 5:16-19  In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.  (17)  "Don't think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete.  (18)  Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yud ( י ) or a stroke will pass from the Torah — not until everything that must happen has happened.  (19)  So whoever disobeys the least of these mitzvot and teaches others to do so will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever obeys them and so teaches will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

2.       Believes a Torah based community begins in each individual home.  Models of respect of authority, obedience, and the sweet fruit of correction reside in each home.

3.       Keeps the Shabbat holy and observes all the prescribed Moedim – the Appointed Feasts-as commanded in the Torah

4.       Strives and perseveres to observe and maintain the mitvots in all aspects of personal, family and community life

III.                Behavioral Standards

A.      Respect of Authority/Biblical Leadership – MHSA members and leaders agree to follow YHVH’s prescribed ORDER within communities and groups. The students/children are expected to demonstrate understanding of the levels of authority that YHVH has taught us. The parents and the leaders of MHSA build, organize and maintain the form and content of the work based on these biblical principals

1 Peter 5:5 CJB  Likewise, you who are less experienced, submit to leaders. Further, all of you should clothe yourselves in humility toward one another, because God opposes the arrogant, but to the humble he gives grace.

1 Timothy 3:4  He must manage his own household well, having children who obey him with all proper respect;

B.      Prayer and supplication – MHSA was created by YHVH as an answer to years of prayer stemming from a need that was experienced by the people of Yah. Leaders are expected to begin every meeting and every activity with prayer. All leaders and all students pray together in unity and with all due reverence to our King. This is an expectation without compromise

C.      Member Conduct: Members of MHSA are a work of YHVH in progress. Each one is undergoing training and learning as they progress toward the goal of becoming a skilled servant of excellence of the King of Kings. ALL conduct/behavior at ALL MHSA gatherings and activities must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of that GOAL.

1 Timothy 3:8-13 CJB  Likewise, the shammashim must be of good character, people whose word can be trusted. They must not give themselves to excessive drinking or be greedy for dishonest gain.  (9)  They must possess the formerly hidden truth of the faith with a clean conscience.  (10)  And first, let them be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them be appointed shammashim.  (11)  Similarly, the wives must be of good character, not gossips, but temperate, faithful in everything.  (12)  Let the shammashim each be faithful to his wife, managing his children and household well.  (13)  For those who serve well as shammashim gain good standing for themselves and much boldness in the trust that comes through Yeshua the Messiah.

D.      Dress code

1.       We establish via SCRIPTURE that all clothing communicates. The message of the garments, likewise, must match the occasion out of respect to the event, out of respect to those around us, out of respect to our YHVH.

2 Kings 10:21-22  Yehu sent throughout all Isra'el, and all the worshippers of Ba`al came, so that there was not one man left that didn't come. They entered the temple of Ba`al, and the temple of Ba`al was filled from one end to the other.  (22)  To the man in charge of the wardrobe he said, "Bring out robes for all the worshippers of Ba`al"; and he brought them clothes.

Esther 4:1-3  When Mordekhai learned everything that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes and went out through the city, lamenting and crying bitterly.  (2)  He stopped before entering the King's Gate, since no one was allowed to go inside the King's Gate wearing sackcloth.  (3)  In every province reached by the king's order and decree, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing, as many lay down on sackcloth and ashes.

Esther 6:10-11  The king said to Haman, "Hurry, and take the robes and the horse, as you said, and do this for Mordekhai the Jew, who sits at the King's Gate. Don't leave out anything you mentioned."  (11)  So Haman took the robes and the horse, dressed Mordekhai and led him riding through the streets of the city, as he proclaimed ahead of him, "This is what is done for a man whom the king wants to honor."

Proverbs 31:21-22  ל When it snows, she has no fear for her household; since all of them are doubly clothed.  (22)  מ She makes her own quilts; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Revelation 19:7-8  "Let us rejoice and be glad! Let us give him the glory! For the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, and his Bride has prepared herself — (8)  fine linen, bright and clean has been given her to wear." ("Fine linen" means the righteous deeds of God's people.)

Matthew 22:11-12  "Now when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who wasn't dressed for a wedding; so he asked him,  (12)  'Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless.

2.       Based on the Scriptures above, all the students who attend MHSA sponsored activities and/or gatherings are required to wear appropriate, modest clothing. Ideals and characteristics such as humility, modesty, respect, and dignity need to be considered when choosing clothing to wear to any such event.

a.       For females, we are blessed with specific directions regarding clothing that is appropriate. Therefore, girls who are MHSA members have access to instructions that will help them to know the clothing that is appropriate for activities and gatherings

1 Timothy 2:9-10 CJB  Likewise, the women, when they pray, should be dressed modestly and sensibly in respectable attire, not with elaborate hairstyles and gold jewelry, or pearls, or expensive clothes.  (10)  Rather, they should adorn themselves with what is appropriate for women who claim to be worshipping God, namely, good deeds.

1 Peter 3:3-5  Your beauty should not consist in externals such as fancy hairstyles, gold jewelry or what you wear;  (4)  rather, let it be the inner character of your heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit. In God's sight this is of great value.  (5)  This is how the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves …

b.      For males, the Scriptures present role models and examples rather than a list of instructions. However, according to these scriptures, we have created  guidelines for male MHSA members:

1) match your clothing type {shoes vs. sneakers vs boots} {jeans vs trousers vs sweatpants} to the occasion or event

2) avoid t-shirts and sweat shirts with printed images that promote teachings or ideologies in conflict with Torah and that openly offend our KING

images of death{skulls/blood/guns & violent weapons}

images of mythical or false gods {zeus/pegasus/neptune/mercury

images of well-known criminals or despots {Che Guevara/Hitler/Stalin}

images of satanic significance {dragons/serpents/pentagrams}

3) avoid styles of clothing associated with sinful lifestyles { Gothic culture/prison culture/gangs}

Malachi 2:16-17  "For I hate divorce," says Adonai the God of Isra'el, "and him who covers his clothing with violence," says Adonai-Tzva'ot. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and don't break faith.  (17)  You have wearied Adonai with your words. Yet you ask, "How have we wearied him?" By saying that anyone who does wrong is good from Adonai's perspective, and that he is delighted with them; or by asking, "Where is the God of justice?"

2 Kings 10:21-22  Yehu sent throughout all Isra'el, and all the worshippers of Ba`al came, so that there was not one man left that didn't come. They entered the temple of Ba`al, and the temple of Ba`al was filled from one end to the other.  (22)  To the man in charge of the wardrobe he said, "Bring out robes for all the worshippers of Ba`al"; and he brought them clothes.

Jeremiah 52:32-33  He treated him with kindness and gave him a throne higher than those of the other kings there with him in Bavel.  (33)  So Y'hoyakhin no longer had to wear prison clothes; moreover, he was provided with food as long as he lived,